In considering some noninvasive ways to age naturally, hair and eyebrow care can be our unsung heroes. Maintaining our hair and grooming our eyebrows and perhaps enhancing our eyelashes can work wonders in shaving years off.
This picture of me was taken six years ago, I was 46 and you can see by the picture, signs of aging had already set in, despite using occasional Botox at the time. But my happy smile and my healthy haircare make me feel good, and look good too!
Why Hair Care is Crucial for a Youthful Look:
Hair is one of the first things people notice, making it a pivotal aspect of our overall appearance. As we age and go through menopause, our hair can become thinner, drier, and more prone to damage. Sometimes, it can feel like a choice between spending your time and money on your skincare/face products, or on your hair- and if you are looking for the most noninvasive ways to age gracefully, keeping your locks as healthy as possible can really make a difference. Jennifer Aniston will continue to age, but as long as she has that beautiful hair that all women have been envious of since her twenties, she will look timeless and beautiful. Like skincare, some of us already might have a several step haircare process in place, but if you don’t, this is one place where you can pick up some easy ideas and literally “shine.”
Incorporate hydrating shampoos, conditioners, and hair masks into your routine. There are so many shampoos and conditioners out there, how do you know what to buy, how much to spend, etc. I know when I was younger I used inexpensive shampoo and conditioners- think Herbal Essence, and my stylist told me it just didn’t really matter since I had uncolored, thick, manageable hair. But as I’ve gotten older, things have changed. Now I color my hair with a single process color every couple of months, and my hair has thinned some as I’ve gotten older. I’ve started to try and test many of the high-end items in haircare, and I have found many of them to really be helpful in really keeping my hair hydrated, shiny and smooth. I alternate between expensive shampoo/conditioners like my all time favorite Pureology or sometimes even opting for the Costco version of this (it’s not the same formula but its good fill in here and there!) I’ve been using argan oil for 15 years, this is my “if you could only have one product on an island” product- and you have to splurge on the Moroccan Oil brand, nothing else works as well. I use this, in conjunction with a heat protectant leave in conditioner that also shortens drying time, and these are my must haves each time I shampoo and condition my hair. Also, I allow myself to splurge on haircare shampoo/conditioner and products as I only wash my hair every three to four days, so I am not spending a ton on these products every day, and my hair is not getting damaged by limiting the number of times I wash it a week. I also received the Dyson Airwrap for my 50th birthday as a gift from my friends, and I have to say that I think this tool is worth the hype. It dries without damaging and gives your hair a professionally done look every time. I did buy my daughter the Shark for Christmas, at a slightly better price point, and she says that having used both, she likes the Shark just as much, plus the handle can be angled, which is a nice feature.
I’ll just say this- when other parts of your body start to show their age, and the upkeep and cost get to be significant, your hair can help you to look younger, while continuing to age naturally.
The Impact of Eyebrow Care on Looking Younger:
Eyebrows frame your face and play a significant role in your facial expressions and overall appearance. Well-groomed eyebrows can lift the face and draw attention to your eyes, creating a more youthful look.
When looking to find ways to age naturally, that also have a long-term impact, I found a solution in microblading my eyebrows. Yes, I guess that is technically a needle of sorts, but it doesn’t feel too invasive and the impact lasts for well over a year before you need a retouch.
Do some homework and find a good person trained in permanent makeup. Look at their before and after photos and ask to speak to previous customers. Once you find your professional you’ll work with them to find the most flattering eyebrow shape for your face. A slightly arched eyebrow can create a lifting effect, while overly thin brows can make you look older.
After microblading, its up to you to keep them well groomed! Regular tweezing, waxing, or threading can keep stray hairs at bay and maintain the shape of your eyebrows. I found a great brow girl near me, and she keeps my brows groomed – since I don’t wear makeup most days ( my skincare routine gives me a bit of a glow), it’s important that my brows make me look put together.
Use an eyebrow pencil, powder, or gel to fill in any sparse areas. Opt for products that match your hair color and use light, feathery strokes for a natural look. This can help restore the appearance of youthful, full eyebrows. I have tried so many eyebrow gels over the years, as my eyebrows grow DOWN for some reason rather than up, and most of them leave your eyebrows with residue and fake looking. I landed on the elf brow lift a couple of years ago, and this works well with a toothbrush to keep them in place.
Lastly, there is always the eyelashes. While I have never done these, as I just don’t have the patience to go every few weeks and have them redone, many of my friends have eyelash extensions and they look amazing. When you have a full set of thick lashes, you can hide any creases in your eyelids, and look years younger.
Taking care of your hair and eyebrows can significantly impact your appearance, offering a natural and cost-effective way to look younger. By incorporating these hair and eyebrow care tips into your beauty regimen, you can enhance your features, boost your confidence, and unlock a more youthful and radiant version of yourself. Remember, the key to beauty is not in chasing after youth but in taking care of yourself and embracing your natural features with confidence and grace!
